Grand Caravan EX vs Twin Otter Series 400
The Twin Otter Series 400 leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation Grand Caravan EX (introduced 2013) and the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter Series 400 (introduced 2010) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are utility, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers. The spec-by-spec breakdown below is followed by a mission-fit read and a buyer's recommendation.
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Grand Caravan EX vs Twin Otter Series 400: the key differences
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 16% more range (Grand Caravan EX: 1,070 nm; Twin Otter Series 400: 920 nm).
- The Grand Caravan EX delivers 2% more cruise speed (Grand Caravan EX: 185 kt; Twin Otter Series 400: 182 kt).
- The Twin Otter Series 400 delivers 36% more passenger capacity (Grand Caravan EX: 14 seats; Twin Otter Series 400: 19 seats).
- The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design (introduced 2013 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400), a gap of 3 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (12,500 lbs versus 8,807 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
- The two differ in powerplant layout: the Grand Caravan EX runs 1 engine against 2 on the Twin Otter Series 400 — a factor in redundancy, maintenance scope and operating cost.
Which mission suits which aircraft
The Grand Caravan EX is the stronger fit for regional and short-to-medium legs — its 1,070 nm of range removes fuel stops on those legs. The Twin Otter Series 400, at 920 nm, is better matched to short-haul and regional hops, where lower trip cost counts for more than outright reach. If most of your flying sits inside the Twin Otter Series 400's range, the Grand Caravan EX's extra capability is range you pay to carry but rarely use.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Grand Caravan EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Grand Caravan EX holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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Grand Caravan EX vs Twin Otter Series 400: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Grand Caravan EX or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Grand Caravan EX has the longer published range — 1,070 nm versus 920 nm for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Does the Grand Caravan EX or Twin Otter Series 400 seat more passengers?
The Twin Otter Series 400 carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 19 seats, compared with 14 on the Grand Caravan EX.
Which is faster, the Grand Caravan EX or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Grand Caravan EX cruises faster, at 185 kt versus 182 kt for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Which is newer, the Grand Caravan EX or the Twin Otter Series 400?
The Grand Caravan EX is the newer design, introduced in 2013 versus 2010 for the Twin Otter Series 400.
Is the Grand Caravan EX or the Twin Otter Series 400 the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Twin Otter Series 400 is the larger aircraft — 12,500 lbs versus 8,807 lbs for the Grand Caravan EX.
Should I buy the Grand Caravan EX or the Twin Otter Series 400?
Choose the Grand Caravan EX when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the Twin Otter Series 400 when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the Grand Caravan EX holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the Grand Caravan EX vs Twin Otter Series 400?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.